CancerConsultant.com reported today on new results for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma with the cancer drug Alimta plus a platinum compound such as cisplatin or carboplatin. http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/CancerNews.aspx?DocumentId=40044
According to the article, "the chemotherapy combination consisting of Alimta plus a platinum compound provides signficant anticancer activity in patients with newly diagnsed mesothelioma.
According to Eli Lilly, Alimta in combination with Cisplatin is the only chemotherapy agent to be FDA approved for the treatment of maligant pleural mesothelioma. http://www.lillyoncology.com/professionals/alimta_mpm_clinical_data.jsp
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Utilizing Gene Therapy Offers Hope for Longer Survival
Daniel H. Sterman, M.D. is the lead doctor at University of Pennsylvania treating patients with mesothelioma in a clinical trial using gene therapy. This new mesothelioma treatment offers hope for extending life for mesothelioma patients. One patient who developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure was recently featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer after he survived for more than three years with mesothelioma. He was treated with gene therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/obituaries/7780776.html
Dr. Sterman's mesothelioma clinical trial has been described at http://www.nynjmesothelioma.com/new-mesothelioma-treatment.php
For more information, contact Dr. Sterman at: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/lungctr/paccd/pulmonary/physicians_staff/faculty/dsterman.html
Dr. Sterman is one of the top mesothelioma doctors searching for a mesothelioma cure.
Dr. Sterman's mesothelioma clinical trial has been described at http://www.nynjmesothelioma.com/new-mesothelioma-treatment.php
For more information, contact Dr. Sterman at: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/lungctr/paccd/pulmonary/physicians_staff/faculty/dsterman.html
Dr. Sterman is one of the top mesothelioma doctors searching for a mesothelioma cure.
New York Mesothelioma Lawsuit Proceeds to Trial on Behalf of New Jersey Victim
The New York mesothelioma lawsuit involving Joel Rosenberg, one of many New Jersey mesothelioma victims who have filed mesothelioma lawsuits in New York City, is proceeding to trial.
Mr. Rosenberg, who died at the age of 64, was a life-long electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"), Local 3 (www.local3.com). His father, also an electrician for IBEW, died from mesothelioma in 1981. Electricians, such as Mr. Rosenberg and his father, sustained asbestos exposure from a variety of sources including the cutting and splicing of wire and cable that was insulated with asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos cancer, which occurs primarily in the lining of the pleura (surrounding the lungs) and the peritoneum (surrounding the abdominal cavity). There are only approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed annually; in comparison approximately 160,000 case of lung cancer are diagnosed each year.
Mr. Rosenberg was diagnosed in New Jersey with pleural mesothelioma in April of 2006 and later received mesothelioma treatments including specialized chemotherapy. Prior to his death in May 2007, Mr. Rosenberg gave sworn testimony, by videotape, which will be shown to the jury at trial. The Rosenberg lawsuit is being continued by Mr. Rosenberg's widow, Sharon Rosenberg, who is also a plaintiff in the case. The companies expected to stand trial include manufacturers of products causing asbestos exposure, contractors who used asbestos materials at work sites, and at least one premises owner who specified the use of asbestos materials.
The New York and New Jersey Mesothelioma Attorneys from Levy, Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP ("LPK"), www.lpklaw.com, have represented victims of mesothelioma in lawsuits for more than 25 years and represent the Rosenberg family.
Read more about the New York Mesothelioma Rosenberg Lawsuit.
Mr. Rosenberg, who died at the age of 64, was a life-long electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"), Local 3 (www.local3.com). His father, also an electrician for IBEW, died from mesothelioma in 1981. Electricians, such as Mr. Rosenberg and his father, sustained asbestos exposure from a variety of sources including the cutting and splicing of wire and cable that was insulated with asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos cancer, which occurs primarily in the lining of the pleura (surrounding the lungs) and the peritoneum (surrounding the abdominal cavity). There are only approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed annually; in comparison approximately 160,000 case of lung cancer are diagnosed each year.
Mr. Rosenberg was diagnosed in New Jersey with pleural mesothelioma in April of 2006 and later received mesothelioma treatments including specialized chemotherapy. Prior to his death in May 2007, Mr. Rosenberg gave sworn testimony, by videotape, which will be shown to the jury at trial. The Rosenberg lawsuit is being continued by Mr. Rosenberg's widow, Sharon Rosenberg, who is also a plaintiff in the case. The companies expected to stand trial include manufacturers of products causing asbestos exposure, contractors who used asbestos materials at work sites, and at least one premises owner who specified the use of asbestos materials.
The New York and New Jersey Mesothelioma Attorneys from Levy, Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP ("LPK"), www.lpklaw.com, have represented victims of mesothelioma in lawsuits for more than 25 years and represent the Rosenberg family.
Read more about the New York Mesothelioma Rosenberg Lawsuit.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Asbestos Deaths in U.S. Rising, Study Says
According to a recent article, about 10,000 people die each year from diseases caused by asbestos. These numbers are set to rise. This growing public health crisis was the subject of a new study carried out by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in Washington, D.C. The study states that over the next ten years the number of deaths will far exceed 100,000. It also calls for a ban on asbestos and asks for federal asbestos screening.
Senator Orrin Hatch (Utah) called for a session to finish legislation to replace asbestos lawsuits with a victims' fund that would be supported by companies and insurers. However, Richard Wiles, the author of the report, called the Senate proposal “grossly insufficient,” adding that this was a public health issue, not an economic one.
The researchers in this study looked at deaths from just two causes: mesothelioma and asbestosis, gathering government data over a period of 25 years. While most deaths were among people who had been exposed to asbestos as a material for fire-proofing many years ago, over a million Americans today are exposed to asbestos in their work. Millions of others are exposed to asbestos in the environment. Inhaled asbestos fibers are linked to cancer and other illnesses. Concluded Wiles, “We're at the beginning of a tidal wave of asbestos diseases and mortality that needs to be brought to the attention of the public, federal policymakers and health officials."
Senator Orrin Hatch (Utah) called for a session to finish legislation to replace asbestos lawsuits with a victims' fund that would be supported by companies and insurers. However, Richard Wiles, the author of the report, called the Senate proposal “grossly insufficient,” adding that this was a public health issue, not an economic one.
The researchers in this study looked at deaths from just two causes: mesothelioma and asbestosis, gathering government data over a period of 25 years. While most deaths were among people who had been exposed to asbestos as a material for fire-proofing many years ago, over a million Americans today are exposed to asbestos in their work. Millions of others are exposed to asbestos in the environment. Inhaled asbestos fibers are linked to cancer and other illnesses. Concluded Wiles, “We're at the beginning of a tidal wave of asbestos diseases and mortality that needs to be brought to the attention of the public, federal policymakers and health officials."
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Average Age of Mesothelioma Patients Dropping - Younger People Continue To Be Diagnosed
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has reported that people are being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma at younger ages. A good write-up on this new report appears in a June 13, 2007 article at http://www.occupationalhazards.com/News/Article/67510/Study_Asbestos_Disease_Patients_Younger_Now.aspx
Occupational Hazards.com also quotes Dr. Robert Taub of the Columbia University Mesothelioma Center in New York City:
“The average age of our peritoneal mesothelioma patients is 51.7,” said Dr. Robert Taub, Milstein professor of clinical medicine and director of the Columbia University Mesothelioma Center. “And less than 50 percent had immediately recognizable asbestos exposure.”
Two comments about Dr. Taub's statement:
(1) The young average age of peritoneal mesothelioma patients reinforces the need for more money for mesothelioma research with the ultimate goal of finding a mesothelioma cure.
(2) The fact that asbestos exposure is not "immediately recognizable" in many cases means that is very important for doctors to take a detailed occupational and social history designed to identify possible sources of asbestos exposure, so that the cause of the person's mesothelioma can be determined and so other workers can be protected in the future.
In our mesothelioma law practice at Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, www.lpklaw.com, we investigate all possible sources of asbestos exposure for our clients who have developed mesothelioma. In this way, the companies responsible for causing the disease can be held accountable. For more information visit, www.nynjmesothelioma.com.
Occupational Hazards.com also quotes Dr. Robert Taub of the Columbia University Mesothelioma Center in New York City:
“The average age of our peritoneal mesothelioma patients is 51.7,” said Dr. Robert Taub, Milstein professor of clinical medicine and director of the Columbia University Mesothelioma Center. “And less than 50 percent had immediately recognizable asbestos exposure.”
Two comments about Dr. Taub's statement:
(1) The young average age of peritoneal mesothelioma patients reinforces the need for more money for mesothelioma research with the ultimate goal of finding a mesothelioma cure.
(2) The fact that asbestos exposure is not "immediately recognizable" in many cases means that is very important for doctors to take a detailed occupational and social history designed to identify possible sources of asbestos exposure, so that the cause of the person's mesothelioma can be determined and so other workers can be protected in the future.
In our mesothelioma law practice at Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, www.lpklaw.com, we investigate all possible sources of asbestos exposure for our clients who have developed mesothelioma. In this way, the companies responsible for causing the disease can be held accountable. For more information visit, www.nynjmesothelioma.com.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Senator Boxer's Statment in Support of Ban on Asbestos Opens Hearing
Senator Boxer opened a Senate Hearing today on the subject of banning asbestos in the United States with a statement that has been posted online at http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_58942.shtml
Senator Boxer stated: "This is an important hearing for millions of Americans who have been exposed to asbestos, for their families, and especially for the thousands of American families who have lost family members to asbestos-related lung disease and cancer. Millions of Americans are still being exposed to asbestos today, and if we don't act, countless more people will get sick and die in the future."
In her compelling speech, Senator Boxer described the stories of several women who died from mesothelioma and showed a photograph of a human lung "damaged by mesothelioma".
Senator Boxer described the shameful and continuing importation of asbestos products into the United States including automotive brake and clutch parts.
The problem of asbestos in brakes and clutches and the risk of mesothelioma caused by automotive repair has been discussed at http://www.nynjmesothelioma.com/news_asbestos_ford_training.php
In fact, the above article discusses the fact that even the automotive industry itself acknowledges the health hazards posed by the use of asbestos in brakes and clutches.
Senator Boxer stated: "This is an important hearing for millions of Americans who have been exposed to asbestos, for their families, and especially for the thousands of American families who have lost family members to asbestos-related lung disease and cancer. Millions of Americans are still being exposed to asbestos today, and if we don't act, countless more people will get sick and die in the future."
In her compelling speech, Senator Boxer described the stories of several women who died from mesothelioma and showed a photograph of a human lung "damaged by mesothelioma".
Senator Boxer described the shameful and continuing importation of asbestos products into the United States including automotive brake and clutch parts.
The problem of asbestos in brakes and clutches and the risk of mesothelioma caused by automotive repair has been discussed at http://www.nynjmesothelioma.com/news_asbestos_ford_training.php
In fact, the above article discusses the fact that even the automotive industry itself acknowledges the health hazards posed by the use of asbestos in brakes and clutches.
Monday, June 11, 2007
New Approaches to Cancer Treatment Now Studied
Because chemotherapy drugs have not been very effective against advanced mesothelioma, several new approaches to cancer treatment are now being studied. These include anti-angiogenesis drugs (which kill cancers by stopping their blood supply) such as Bevacizumab (Avastin) and anti-growth factor drugs (which interfere with substances some cancer cells produce to stimulate their own growth) such as Erlotinib (Tarceva).
Avastin is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapy designed to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels develop and carry vital nutrients to a tumor. You can learn more about it here.
Tarceva is a pill taken by mouth to treat cancer. It is prescribed for patients with advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who have received at least one previous chemotherapy regimen. You can learn more about it here.
If you live in the NY area and have mesothelioma that may have been caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the law firm of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP for more information.
Avastin is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapy designed to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels develop and carry vital nutrients to a tumor. You can learn more about it here.
Tarceva is a pill taken by mouth to treat cancer. It is prescribed for patients with advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who have received at least one previous chemotherapy regimen. You can learn more about it here.
If you live in the NY area and have mesothelioma that may have been caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the law firm of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP for more information.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Response to MesoBlog.org Post on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
This is a response to the MesoBlog.org post dated June 5,2007 at http://www.mesoblog.org/blog/mesothelioma-incidents-increasing-in-younger-people/.
While it is true that the median age of those diagnosed with mesothelioma is decreasing, and that younger people are being diagnosed with increasing frequency, it is not true that 40% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma "never came in contact with asbestos."
It is well-established that a history of occupational asbestos exposure is reported in the vast majority of mesothelioma cases. In fact, the National Cancer Institute states that 70-80% of mesothelioma patients have a "history of asbestos exposure at work". http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma
Of the remaining cases of mesothelioma, many can be attributed to some identifiable household exposure, such as laundering the clothing of a family member or performing home renovations and repairs that utilized asbestos-containing products. http://www.nynjmesothelioma.com/exposure.php#homerenovation
While it is true that the median age of those diagnosed with mesothelioma is decreasing, and that younger people are being diagnosed with increasing frequency, it is not true that 40% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma "never came in contact with asbestos."
It is well-established that a history of occupational asbestos exposure is reported in the vast majority of mesothelioma cases. In fact, the National Cancer Institute states that 70-80% of mesothelioma patients have a "history of asbestos exposure at work". http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma
Of the remaining cases of mesothelioma, many can be attributed to some identifiable household exposure, such as laundering the clothing of a family member or performing home renovations and repairs that utilized asbestos-containing products. http://www.nynjmesothelioma.com/exposure.php#homerenovation
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Mesothelioma Law Firm in New York or New Jersey.
You live in New York or New Jersey and you (or a family member) have just been told that you have mesothelioma. You learn that you have a potential mesothelioma lawsuit, given that asbestos is the only established cause of mesothelioma in the United States. You go on the Internet and find out that there are many law firms in the United States that advertise themselves as "Mesothelioma Law Firms". What questions should you ask when choosing a "Mesothelioma Law Firm", particularly if you live (or were exposed to asbestos) in New York or New Jersey.
Here are some important questions to ask:
1. Does the law firm have offices in New York and New Jersey?
2. Has the law firm obtained jury verdicts in mesothelioma cases in New York and New Jersey?
3. Does the law firm have a proven track record in litigating mesothelioma cases in New York and New Jersey?
4. How many clients does the law firm represent? Will your mesothelioma case be "just another number" to the law firm handling the case?
The answers for Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP ("LPK"), http://www.lpklaw.com, are:
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. LPK represents a limited number of clients and gives individual attention to each case.
These Qs and As appear in more detail at: http://nynjmesothelioma.com/qanda.php
Here are some important questions to ask:
1. Does the law firm have offices in New York and New Jersey?
2. Has the law firm obtained jury verdicts in mesothelioma cases in New York and New Jersey?
3. Does the law firm have a proven track record in litigating mesothelioma cases in New York and New Jersey?
4. How many clients does the law firm represent? Will your mesothelioma case be "just another number" to the law firm handling the case?
The answers for Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP ("LPK"), http://www.lpklaw.com, are:
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.
4. LPK represents a limited number of clients and gives individual attention to each case.
These Qs and As appear in more detail at: http://nynjmesothelioma.com/qanda.php
Monday, June 04, 2007
Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit Moves to Trial
Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP filed an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit on behalf of a New Jersey woman who was exposed to asbestos as a result of her husband and children performing brake work. The woman was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2002 and died from her illness shortly after mesothelioma treatments were attempted at Virtua West Jersey Hospital. The suit is set to go to trial this summer.
Brake dust, containing asbestos, can be released when a brake disk or drum is removed from a vehicle. The dust is frequently invisible to the naked eye, but if the brakes contain asbestos, then the dust released from the brakes will contain asbestos.
During the trial, it will be argued that the brand predominately used for the brake work was asbestos-containing Bendix brakes. The victim was unknowingly exposed to asbestos as a result of her laundering the dusty clothes and the used rags that were used by her husband and children after they performed the brake work in the garage and driveway of their New Jersey home from the 1960s through the 1980s. The victim would shake out the dirty clothes and dusty rags and then launder them without any realization that she was neither in any danger nor that she was being exposed to asbestos-laden dust.
This lawsuit is coming on the heels of a new set of recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2007 entitled, “Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers” which is similar to guidance that EPA has been distributing since 1986. The EPA states in this publication that by using the recommended practices, home mechanics can minimize potential exposure to asbestos and reduce their potential risk of developing asbestos-related disease.
To read the entire article, please see Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit filed by New Jersey Mesothelioma Attorneys Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LPP, Moves to Trial.
Brake dust, containing asbestos, can be released when a brake disk or drum is removed from a vehicle. The dust is frequently invisible to the naked eye, but if the brakes contain asbestos, then the dust released from the brakes will contain asbestos.
During the trial, it will be argued that the brand predominately used for the brake work was asbestos-containing Bendix brakes. The victim was unknowingly exposed to asbestos as a result of her laundering the dusty clothes and the used rags that were used by her husband and children after they performed the brake work in the garage and driveway of their New Jersey home from the 1960s through the 1980s. The victim would shake out the dirty clothes and dusty rags and then launder them without any realization that she was neither in any danger nor that she was being exposed to asbestos-laden dust.
This lawsuit is coming on the heels of a new set of recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2007 entitled, “Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers” which is similar to guidance that EPA has been distributing since 1986. The EPA states in this publication that by using the recommended practices, home mechanics can minimize potential exposure to asbestos and reduce their potential risk of developing asbestos-related disease.
To read the entire article, please see Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit filed by New Jersey Mesothelioma Attorneys Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LPP, Moves to Trial.
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